The Almanzora valley is enfolded by an infinite vista of vivid mountain ranges; the golden Sierra Cabrera, the orange Filabres, the black Almagreras and beyond the purple Seguras and snow capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada itself.
This region has Europe’s only desert climate. The area boasts a year round average of a full nine hours of sunshine a day and a total rainfall of less than seven and a half inches. In winter the average maximum daily temperature is 19ºC (67ºF) from October to March.
Dating from Neolithic times, Villaricos was once a great Phoenician port. Forgotten by history for thousands of years, it resurfaced as a silver mining boom town in the 19th Century before becoming the pleasant fishing village of today, with a special identity all of its own.
Villaricos holds a wealth of local history and traditions including being hosts to its own ‘fiestas’, including the amazing fire-cracking ‘Toro del Fuego’, the sea-going ‘Virgin del Carmen’ and the customary Easter parades. Locals enjoy ‘paseando’ along the seafront overlooking the limpid waters and take their time ‘charlando’ with relatives, friends and visitors.
Children are much loved in Villaricos and adults too will find much to enjoy. There is a fine sandy beach with a pleasant beach bar and the village itself has six restaurants, with excellent seafood and fine meats, all cooked in the traditional Spanish style. There are also four or five bars and cafés, including an excellent late night watering hole and even a village disco. There are a handful of shops including two mini markets.
